Clam Chowder Pasta Recipe: A Delicious Seafood Twist on Classic Pasta

If you're a fan of seafood and pasta, then you're in for a real treat with this clam chowder pasta recipe.

Combining the comforting flavors of clam chowder with the heartiness of pasta, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

To make this dish, you'll need a few key ingredients, including clams, bacon, potatoes, and shell pasta.

The clams are the star of the show here, so make sure to get fresh, high-quality ones from your local seafood market.

The bacon and potatoes add a comforting, savory flavor to the dish, while the shell pasta provides a satisfying texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.

Making this dish is easy and straightforward, even for beginner cooks.

Simply cook the bacon and potatoes, then add the clams and pasta to the pot along with a creamy, chowder-inspired sauce.

Let everything simmer together until the pasta is cooked through, then serve up a steaming bowl of this delicious comfort food.

Key Takeaways

• Clam chowder pasta combines the comforting flavors of clam chowder with the heartiness of pasta.
• This dish requires fresh, high-quality clams, bacon, potatoes, and shell pasta.
• Making this dish is easy and straightforward, even for beginner cooks.

Ingredients and Preparations

Preparing a delicious clam chowder pasta dish requires quality ingredients and careful preparation. In this section, we will guide you through the selection of quality clams, pantry essentials, fresh additions, creating the base, cooking techniques, pasta varieties, enhancements and toppings, storing suggestions, serving recommendations, and pairing beverages.

Selecting Quality Clams

When selecting clams, choose fresh steamers if possible. If fresh steamers are not available, frozen clams are a good alternative.

Make sure to thaw the frozen clams in the fridge overnight before cooking. Discard any clams that are open or cracked.

Pantry Essentials

To create the base of the clam chowder pasta, you will need garlic, onion, bay leaf, thyme, basil, parsley, and red pepper flakes.

For the sauce, you will need heavy cream, clam juice, butter, and fontina cheese.

Pantry essentials such as olive oil, white wine, salt, and pepper are also necessary.

Fresh Additions

For additional flavor and texture, consider adding fresh garlic, lemon, chorizo, and crispy bacon.

Fresh herbs such as parsley and basil can also be added for a fragrant touch.

Creating the Base

To create the base of the clam chowder pasta, sauté garlic and onion in olive oil until fragrant.

Add white wine, clam juice, bay leaf, thyme, basil, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until the liquid has reduced by half.

Add heavy cream, butter, and fontina cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Techniques

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

Steam the clams until they open. Discard any clams that do not open.

Add the cooked pasta and steamed clams to the sauce. Toss until coated.

Pasta Varieties

Linguine and clams are a classic combination for clam chowder pasta. However, other pasta varieties such as penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine can also be used.

Enhancements and Toppings

For additional toppings, consider adding parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, or crispy bacon.

Storing Suggestions

Store any leftover clam chowder pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Serving Recommendations

Serve the clam chowder pasta hot with a side salad or garlic bread.

Pairing Beverages

Pair the clam chowder pasta with a light white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Alternatively, a crisp lager or ale can also be a great pairing.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Making clam chowder pasta is not as difficult as it may seem. With a few simple steps, you can have a delicious and comforting bowl of pasta in no time. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

Preparing the Clams

First, you need to prepare the clams. Rinse them under cold running water to remove any dirt or sand.

Then, place them in a large bowl of cold water for about 20 minutes to allow them to release any sand or grit. Drain the clams and set them aside.

Building the Flavour

In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and onions and sauté until the onions are translucent.

Add bacon or chorizo and cook until the fat has rendered and the meat is crispy. This will add a smoky flavor to the dish.

Combining Ingredients

Add the clams to the pot and cover with a lid. Cook until the clams open, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

Remove the clams from the pot and set them aside. Add clam sauce, heavy cream, and chopped parsley to the pot. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce has thickened.

Final Touches

Add the cooked pasta to the pot and toss until it is coated with the sauce.

Add some parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and black pepper to taste. Add the clams back to the pot and gently toss everything together.

Plating and Presentation

Transfer the pasta to a serving bowl or individual plates. Garnish with some fresh parsley and lemon wedges. This dish is best served hot and fresh.

Adjusting the Texture

If the sauce is too thick, you can add some water to thin it out.

If it is too thin, you can simmer it for a few more minutes to thicken it. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

Cooking Time Management

The total time to make clam chowder pasta is about 45 minutes.

It is important to manage your cooking time so that everything is ready at the same time.

Start cooking the pasta first, then prepare the clams and sauce while the pasta is cooking. This will ensure that everything is hot and fresh when it is time to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the secret to a creamy clam chowder pasta?

The secret to a creamy clam chowder pasta is to use a combination of heavy cream and clam juice.

The heavy cream provides the richness and creaminess, while the clam juice adds a depth of flavor. Make sure to add the liquids slowly and stir continuously to prevent the pasta from sticking together.

Can you suggest some sides that complement clam chowder pasta?

A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a crusty bread are great sides that complement clam chowder pasta.

Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts, also work well.

What are the essential ingredients for a proper chowder?

The essential ingredients for a proper chowder are clams, potatoes, onions, celery, and bacon.

The broth is usually made with a combination of clam juice and heavy cream, and seasoned with thyme, bay leaves, and black pepper.

How can I thicken my clam chowder without altering the flavor?

To thicken your clam chowder without altering the flavor, you can use a roux made with equal parts butter and flour.

Melt the butter in a saucepan, then whisk in the flour until it forms a paste. Gradually add the roux to the chowder, stirring continuously until it thickens to your desired consistency.

What's a simple way to turn leftover clam chowder into a pasta dish?

A simple way to turn leftover clam chowder into a pasta dish is to cook your favorite pasta according to the package instructions.

Drain the pasta and add it to the leftover chowder. Stir well and heat through.

You can also add some extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs to enhance the flavor.

Could you recommend a good substitute for clams in a seafood pasta recipe?

If you don't have access to clams, you can substitute them with other seafood such as shrimp, mussels, or scallops.

These seafood options will provide a similar texture and flavour to the dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking the seafood.